Culture

Having been built by German-Americans immigrants, Schuetzen Park quickly became a Mecca for cultural traditions brought from the "old countries" of Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

The most obvious tradition that was carried on at the Park was "schuetzen", or target shooting. The Park contained a shooting range (Schiessbahn) with a Shooting House, Target House and Prize Pyramid. The Davenport Schuetzenverein (DSV), which was established in 1868, is still recognized as the oldest, continuously operating "Schuetzenverein" in the United States of America. Early members of the Verein were leaders in Davenport's, social, economic and political realms as well. Other events unique to the Schuetzen Park were the large singing festivals (Saengerfests), which drew audiences of up to 12,000. Turnfests, or athletic competitions between regional "Turnvereins", also drew hundreds of participants and spectators. The last "Turnfest" held at Schuetzen Park was 1923.

From the first weekend in June, when the Park opened for the season, 'till the late fall each year, hundreds would gather in Schuetzen Park nightly to hear concerts from the stage of the Park's world class, Moorish style music pavilion. Popular local bands such Ernst Otto's Band and Jakob Strasser's Band were often joined by out-of-town bands and orchestras.

The cultural traditions of the German speaking countries continue today at Schuetzen Park. Recent events have include: An Evening with Mozart, Kurt Weill - Berlin to Broadway, Volksmarching, German Shepherd Dog Shows, "Musikfests" with performances by bands from all over Germany. Many community groups also use the Park for their outdoor meetings and project days.